Technical Ducato 2.8td lacks power

[driver4231]

Hi, got a 2000 X reg fiat ducato 2.8td lwb high roof. Its great but just lacks power when at 50mph in top gear. Has no acceleration unless I drop it down to fourth gear, then the turbo kicks in and it picks up speed well.

Any ideas ?

 

[FreeSpirit]

Hi
Not sure of your particular vehicles gearing, but the 2.8 JTD model is also lacking in power in top gear @ those revs especially if it carrying a MotorHome, an empty van should be better. With the gearing, fifth gear at those speeds the engine would be doing around 1800 rpm which although that is where max torque is developed if you want quick acceleration you need to change down to fourth. On the 2.8JTD there is a big gap between fourth & fifth gear allowing a reduction in engine speed when cruising but also results in slow pickup in fifth at those speeds. Which is why they now use 6speed boxes -overall gearing the same just an extra gear to fill the large gap between fourth & fifth that is on the 5 speed boxes.
I would assume the 2.8TD would be geared likwise, although it uses a different gearbox. People have complained & there is a lower gear ratio that can be fitted for fifth but it then increases engine speed (around 500rpm) & fuel consumption while cruising but would provide quicker pickup in fifth.
cheers

 

[scania]

It depends if it was doing it b4 you noticed it, if its a problem that has just arrived, then it could be a number of things, to save money its always wise to check the simple things first, ie air leaks in pipes, to and from air filter, air leaks around the air filter, is the filter dirty has it now got bad fuel consumption, etc etc, always best to look around the engine bay first, thats if it was working well b4 hand

 

[bessacarr]

Hi, We have a fiat ducato maxi td mwb based bessacarr E745 2.8id TD yr 2000 W reg and we tow a trailer with a bmw z3 on it we cannot tweek the engine so we are thinking of gearing down 5th gear ,see Ian Blundell page 186 MMM august 2012,hope this is helpful. always looking for new friends.

 

[timndelia]

Had ours chipped by Boosters near Wisbech. Tell them you don't want the flat spot between 4th and 5th. Worked very well for us PLUS better mpg!